There is something powerful about a name. Parents take great care in choosing a name for their children and as children grow, they become their name. The same is true for every name of God. They are not mere human inventions. Each name is a revelatory instrument given at a specific time, for a specific purpose, to reveal a specific aspect of his nature. In today’s episode, take a look at how God revealed himself throughout salvation history and what it means to you.
SHOWNOTES
Names of God:
Elohim meaning God mentioned 2555 times
Jehovah meaning Lord or Yahweh 5500 times
El Elyon meaning Most High 33 times
El Shaddai meaning Almighty
Psalm 91:1-2 – Mentions these four names in a row; Most High, Almighty, Lord, God.
Progressive Revelation Throughout the Bible:
- Genesis 22:14 Jehovah Jireh – Provider 4000 years ago
- Exodus 15:26 Jehovah Rapha – Healer 3560 years ago
- Exodus 17:8,15 Jehovah Nissi – My Banner 3500 years ago
- Judges 6:24 Jehovah Sahlom – Peace 3200 years ago
- Psalms 23:1 Jehovah Ra-ah – My Shepherd 2700 years ago
- Jeremiah 23:6 Jehovah Tsidkenu – Our Righteousness 2600 years ago
- Ezekiel 48:35 Jehovah Shammah- The Lord is there 2580 years ago
Exodus 3:13 – Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Jesus Reveals God’s Name:
John 17:1
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify thee, since thou hast given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him. And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made.
John 17:6
“I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them to me, and they have kept thy word. Now they know that everything that thou hast given me is from thee; for I have given them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from thee; and they have believed that thou didst send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom thou hast given me, for they are thine.”
We see the full revelation of God in His Son, Jesus:
Luke 1:31
We learn that God will take on flesh, but he will also take on a new name: Jesus. His name is announced: Jesus (Yeshua). What does it mean? It means Yahweh saves.
CCC 724
In the Old Covenant God revealed his name at the burning bush, now in the New Covenant God reveals his name at the new and greater burning bush, the virgin Mary.
Matthew 1:21
“She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus (Yeshua), because he will save (Yoshea) his people from their sins.”
Acts 4:12
“No other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Luke 2:30
Simeon in the Temple: “for my eyes have seen your salvation.”
Luke 3:6
John the Baptist: “repent, then all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
Luke 19:9
Zaccheus: “Salvation has come to this house.”
Do you have comments or questions for Jeff? Use the comment box below, or email Jeff at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!
